Draft 2015 02 BAMGA Help Desk Photinia, Otto Luyken Laurel

From The VCE-Bedford Master Gardener
HELP DESK
Feb 2015: Article for the Bedford Area Master Gardener Association (BAMGA) newsletter
Editor: LindaE, Bedford Extension Master Gardener, Help Desk Coordinator
QUESTIONS:
1. A client came in and wanted some advice about her Photinia shrub because the leaves had
started dropping off. She said spots of bush are affected, that she noticed it last year, and it
started out on one now spreading to second.
2. A client brought in a sample of Otto Luyken Laurel (an evergreen shrub) and said the plant
has always looked stressed but didn’t see any bugs on the plant. (leaves with spots, with holes
in spots)
3. A caller wanted information on erosion control.
ANSWERS:
1. Photinia is a shrub belonging to the rosaceous family is widely
grown in the eastern and southern United States. Photinia x fraseri,
also known as “red tip,” is the most popular Photinia grown because
of its bright red, immature foliage. All of the Photinia are susceptible
to leaf spotting caused by the fungus Entomosporium mespili.
Symptoms include leaf spots that first appear as minute, slightly
raised dots on either surface of the leaf. Older spots have a slightly
depressed center with raised margins. Leaf spots vary in color and
Healthy Photinia shrub
size depending upon the age/maturity of the affected leaf. The
fungus overwinters as mycelium in fallen infected leaves from the previous year.
Close-up of Photinia fungal leaf spots
EDutky- U Md. pubs.ext.vt.edu
it.wikipedia.org
The client was advised to: A) Improve drainage if possible; B) Clean
up debris / fallen leaves under plants in the winter to reduce sources
of fungal inoculum before new growth appears in the spring; and C) A
fungicide such as Thiophanate methyl (e.g. Cleary 3336) or
myclobutanil (e.g. Systhane) can be used preventatively, but they
must be applied on a regular basis throughout the season for
effective control. (1), (2)
2. The symptoms were believed to be caused by a fungus, not by insects. The client was
advised to A) Improve the drainage around and under the plants; B) Clean up debris / fallen
leaves under plants to remove any fungal inoculum; C) Increase air movement within the plant
by judicious hand pruning; and D) Avoid overhead watering.
FEB 2015- BAMGA HELP DESK
In addition use a fungicide – Daconil – may
help control the fungus. Since she says "has
always looked stressed" a soil test should
be done. (3) (4)
Cherry Leaf Spot
T McCarmant, extension.umn.edu
3. Generally speaking, turf grass as well as
many other low-growing herbaceous and
woody plants work well in controlling
runoff or erosion. If the slope is particularly steep a vigorous ground
cover can be planted to reduce erosion and increase water penetration
into the sod on the slope. Turf is often impractical on steep terrain
because mowing is difficult and dangerous.
Another option would be to build terraces or retaining walls. (5) (6)
Healthy Otto Luyken Laurel
pinterest.com
REFERENCES:
(1) “Entomosporium Leaf Spot of Photinia”
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-609/450-609.html
(2) “Pest Management Guide: Home Grounds and Animals”
2014
https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-018/456-018.html
Example of a terraced retaining wall
pubs.ext.vt.edu
(3) “Effect of Fungicide to Control Shot-Hole Disease of Cherry Laurel”
http://www.canr.org/98013.pdf
(4) “Cherry Leaf Spot” http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/fruit/integrated-pestmanagement-for-home-stone-fruit-growers/cherry-leaf-spot/
(5) “Reducing Erosion and Runoff”
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-722/426-722.html
(6) “Selecting Landscape Plants: Ground Covers”
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-609/426-609.html
Article written Feb 2012 by Bedford Extension Master Gardener Linda E.
Updated for Feb 2015 website post by Bedford Extension Master Gardener Kathy N.
Answers provided herein were based on specific situations and growing conditions.
These recommendations may or may not be appropriate for all circumstances.
For specific recommendations for your particular situation please contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.
Bedford County Extension Office: (540) 586-7675 / Email: Help Desk @ BedfordMG@vt.edu
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FEB 2015- BAMGA HELP DESK